Sensory skills are important for us to understand and process the information in the world around us. Sensory skills involve using these senses of smell, touch, vision, hearing, balance, proprioception, vestibular, and taste. All these senses work together for overall sensory functioning. Hence, let us understand how we can improve these skills in your children, through fun activities!

Paint with fingers:

For children, using their fingers is an engaging sensory activity. Including colours will only make it more fun and exciting for the child. Provide your child with a sheet of paper with any picture and a variety of colours for them to choose from. Let them use their fingers, dip itin paint and explore their creative side! Allow them to delve into different textures from the process of dipping to applying it on paper! Play with slime : Slime is considered to be a soothing experience for children. It stimulates senses, creativity and makes them pay attention. It is easily malleable, and it is a fun and innovative way to get children to practice strength, fine motor control, and dexterity.

Sand box

Sand is an amazing way for children to explore their touch and textures. Add small and fun toys into a box of sand. The child can use their hands and play with the sand, and can find small elements of surprise (the toys :D) which adds an element of curiosity and entertainment for the child! Sand play provides a variety of textures, improves eye-hand coordination, fine motor skills, and most importantly helps the child to learn and have fun at the same time!

Water balloons

Water balloons provide a fun and comfortable way for children to experience water and resistance to the same. It contributes to the development of improving fine motor and sensory skills, for example, by picking up small balloons, experiencing weight and by doing different actions such as squeezing or pressing. It involves sensory integration of different textures and appeals to children's sense of adventure!

Colourful grain box

Grains are one of the most common food items present at home! They are not only high in fibre and a healthy diet, it can be used to increase sensory awareness and explosion of textures for the child. Provide bowls with different grains such as different coloured rice, oats, wheat, barley, quinoa, etc. Let them use their hands and feel the different textures, explore colours, and can also engage the child for a good amount of time.

All of the activities can be changed and made flexible for your child, and you can DIY! Allow the child to enjoy, have fun and learn from the new experiences that they come across. This will also help you in spending time with your child, understanding one another's likes and dislikes and most importantly can help strengthen and develop the child's sensory skills!